Salivary apelin hormone response and dysfunctional attitudes in adolescents in Türkiye: a relational screening model

Adolescence is the period in which physical and emotional changes occur through hormones, the individual acquires gender characteristics and prepares for the adult role psychologically and physically. Dysfunctional attitudes are beliefs and attitudes that can lead to depression by causing negative thoughts about oneself, others, and the future.Dysfunctional attitudes negatively affect children's mental health. Hormones have a significant impact on human behavior and cognitive functions. However, little is known about the role and influence of hormones on dysfunctional attitudes. Apelin is a hormone responsible for controlling emotions by regulating emotional behavior. The level of dysfunctional attitudes is one of the important issues in nursing practice in terms of protecting and improving children's mental health. However, little is known about the role and impact of hormones on dysfunctional attitudes.This study aimed to examine adolescents' dysfunctional attitudes and salivary apelin hormone levels in terms of sociodemographic variables.